10A NCAC 13E .0312      OUTSIDE ENTRANCE AND EXITS

(a)  Each overnight respite services program shall have at least two exit doors on all floor levels. If there are only two exit doors, the exit doors shall be located and constructed to minimize the possibility that both may be blocked by a fire or other emergency condition.

(b)  One exterior door shall have a minimum width of three feet. Another exterior door shall have a minimum width of two feet and eight inches. For the purposes of this Rule, an "exterior door" means a door used by a participant to enter and exit the building to and from the outdoors.

(c)  At least one principal exterior door for the participants' use shall be at grade level or accessible by a ramp with a one inch rise for each 12 inches of ramp length. For the purposes of this Rule, a "principal exterior door" means a door that is used by participants to access the vehicular pick-up and drop-off area. If the overnight respite services program serves any participant who must have physical assistance with evacuation, the building shall have two exterior doors at grade level or accessible by a ramp.

(d)  All exit door locks shall be easily operable, by a single hand motion, from the inside at all times without keys. Deadbolts or turn buttons on the inside of exit doors shall be disabled.

(e)  Exit doors shall be free of all obstructions or impediments to allow for full instant use in case of fire or other emergency.

(f)  Steps, porches, stoops, and ramps shall be provided with handrails or guardrails.

(g)  In each overnight respite services program with at least one participant who is determined by a physician or appropriate licensed health professional or is otherwise known to be disoriented or who wanders, each exit door for participant-use shall be equipped with a sounding device that is activated when the door is opened. The sound shall be of sufficient volume that it can be heard by staff. If a central system of remote sounding devices is provided, the control panel for the system shall be located in the office area or in a location accessible only to staff authorized by the administrator to operate the control panel.

History Note:        Authority G.S. 131D-6.1;

Eff. April 1, 2017.